Resistive band/loop exerciser of thermoplastic elastomer

ABSTRACT

A hypo-allergenic, latex-free, durable, versatile resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an elastic range of 10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in a full range of motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to allow the exercise device to stay in place without rolling up or pinching, thereby increasing the comfort for the user. In another embodiment, the device is a resistance band comprised of a first end and a second end and one or more grip holes through the first end and the second end which provide a means of facilitating grip for a user as to prevent or lessen the accidental release of the resistance exercise device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to exercise devices used to strengthen and tone a user's muscles.

BACKGROUND

Resistive bands are used by individuals who are looking to strengthen and tone their muscles in addition to the rehabilitation of patients with a wide variety of physical ailments. Subsequent to an injury or surgical procedure, a patient under the care of physicians, physical therapists, and/or trainers is guided through a series of exercises using a wide variety of devices, including resistive bands, which offer differing degrees of resistance for any targeted muscle groups.

Commonly used resistive bands are manufactured using a variety of materials such as rubber, latex compounds, elastics, and metal springs. Each of the previously mentioned materials suffers from limitations concerning the overall performance and versatility of the resistive band. Resistive bands are generally thin, flat strips that require the user to wrap the band around their hands or tie a knot to form a loop for the desired exercises. Some have handles made of a harder material such as wood, plastic, or metal, are attached separately. These handles can be dangerous if the patient loses his or her grip and the resistive band snaps back. Another shortcoming of the thin, flat resistive bands is that they have a tendency to bunch and roll up during use resulting in discomfort, restricted blood flow, and even the pulling of hair from the user's body. The patient or therapist then must reposition the band to continue the exercise and re-attain the appropriate resistance. This discomfort often leads to non-compliance with the prescribed or recommended exercise regimen. Conventional resistive bands typically stretch from only 1-3 times their resting length, thereby making resistance available only through a portion of the range of motion. Shorter resistive bands provide reasonable resistance in the initial portion of the range of motion, but then provide too much resistance in the later range of motion making completion of the range of motion too difficult or dangerous due to the elastic limit of the material. Longer resistive bands provide too little resistance in the initial portion of the range of motion, and then provide reasonable resistance at the end of the range of motion.

Patients with sensitive skin, chronic pain, poor grip strength, or edema are typically unable to use the conventional resistive bands due to the discomfort associated with the bands bunching and “cutting in” at the point of contact. Strengthening devices incorporating metal springs into their design can also pinch the skin and pose a danger to the user if the user's grip fails. Conventional resistive bands are also hazardous due to the occurrence of snapping, tearing, and/or breaking of the band.

There is a need for a hypoallergenic thermoplastic elastomer band having a greater thickness, a softer feel, and having the security and durability of being tear and break resistant during conventional use resulting in greater comfort, compliance, and positive neuro-sensory stimulation feedback during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer with an elastic range of 10-12 times resting length to allow resistance in a full range of motion and with thickness of 0.5 cm to 1.6 cm to allow the exercise device to stay in place without rolling up or pinching, thereby increasing the comfort for the user. In another embodiment, the device is a resistance band comprised of a first end and a second end and one or more grip holes through the first end and the second end which provide a means of facilitating grip for a user as to prevent or lessen the accidental release of the resistance exercise device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a profile view of a combination chest pull and loop with four grip holes on each end to accommodate the fingers.

FIG. 2 is a profile view of a combination chest pull and loop with a single grip hole on each end.

FIG. 3 is a profile view of a continuous loop device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a chest pull exerciser with four grip holes on each end to accommodate the fingers.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a chest pull exerciser with grip holes with optional inserted reinforcement.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a straight band chest pull with enlarged ends to facilitate grip of the device.

FIG. 7 is a view of the continuous loop device of FIG. 3 being used to demonstrate the range of elasticity of 10-12× resting length to permit full range of motion exercise.

FIG. 8 is a view of the continuous loop device of FIG. 3 in use to demonstrate the device's unique ability to stay in place without rolling up or pinching during exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention of a resistance exercise device may provide strengthening and rehabilitation to all major muscle groups. The resistance exercise device may be provided in a variety of sizes and resistance levels to fit various user needs and objectives. Under the direction of a physician, physical therapist, and/or trainer, the proper device parameters can be custom fitted to the patient. The resistance exercise device may be applied to fitness or body building wherein the user can determine the resistance level that best suits his or her needs. The bands can be sold individually or in sets of varying resistance for progressive development. The color or shading of the material may be used to indicate the level of resistance offered by the device.

Looking now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a resistance exercise device is illustrated in the form of a band comprised of a first end and a second end. There are one or more grip holes through the first end and the second end which provide facilitation of grip for a user in order to prevent or decrease the risk of accidental release of the resistance exercise device. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing a set of four grip holes 10 for fingers on both the first end and the second end of the device. The grip holes for fingers are proximate to one another and generally in a row on each end of the device in the embodiment illustrated. FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment wherein the first end and the second end each have a single opening 15 for a user to grip.

The thermoplastic elastomeric material is elastic, tear resistant, and soft. The elastomeric material may be able to be stretched up to 10 to 12 times its original length, provide a resistance throughout a full range of motion (as illustrated in FIG. 7) not achievable with other materials, and may also have a Shore OO durometer of less than 30.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the resistance exercise device may be comprised of any polymeric material that possesses a high degree of stretchability during extension of the device caused by opposing pressure applied by the hands, arms, trunk, head, jaw, feet, legs, or combination thereof, while maintaining the desired shape at rest, and further, maintaining the proper degree of resistance, even after extensive repeated stretching. Preferably the polymeric material is a moldable elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer which includes, but is not limited to, chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), ethylene polysulfide (ET), ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPM); organopolysiloxane (SI), polybutadiene (BP), polysoprene, or polyurethane (PUR). The thermoformed elastomer material used in the device is 100% recyclable.

The polymeric material may make up an elastomeric material that is a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and an oil (or plasticizer). In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastomeric material comprises a mixture of styrenic block copolymer and an oil, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the copolymer. In another embodiment, the elastomeric material comprises a mixture of one or more styrenic block copolymers and at least two oils, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the copolymer and one oil is used in excess of the other oil, by weight. In still another embodiment, the elastomeric material comprises a styrenic block copolymer and an oil mixture of a first oil and a second oil where the first oil has a viscosity that is greater than a viscosity of the second oil and the second oil is used in excess of the first oil.

The styrenic block copolymers, which are thermoplastic elastomers, have a structure normally consisting of a block of a rigid styrene on each end with a rubbery phase in the center. Styrenic block copolymers include, but are not limited to, SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene isoprene styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), and SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene propylene styrene). These materials are commercially available from, for example, SEPTON Company of America (Pasadena, Tex.), and Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.). Exemplary SEPTON (US) products include SEPTON 4055 (SEEPS); SEPTON 8006 (SEBS); and SEPTON 2006 (SEPS). Exemplary Kraton (US) products include KRATON 1651 (SEBS). It is possible to use just one of these polymers or a combination of these polymers. It will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art that by varying the amount of copolymer and oil one can achieve an end product having different durometer readings.

The oil or plasticizer generally refers to mineral oils or silicone (dimethyl silaxone) oil. The oil is mixed with the styrenic block copolymer. The heavier oils (i.e., greater molecular weights or greater viscosity) decreased heat deformation and processibility and increased surface tack. Such oils are commercially available from, for example, Crompton Corporation (Witco Refined Products), Greenwich, Conn. Exemplary oils include: BLANDOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25OC/25OC (ASTM D4052)—0.839/0.855; Kinematic viscosity @ 40 OC, CST (ASTM D445)—14.2/17.0 (heavy oil), and SEMTOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25OC/25OC (ASTM D4052)—0.804/0.827, Kinematic viscosity @ 40 OC, CST (ASTM D445)—3.9/5.5 (light oil). Other conventional additives may also be added to the elastomeric material which include, but are not limited to, UV-stabilizer, heat-stabilizer, antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, antioxidants, pigments, glitters, dyes, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic elastomer may be white mineral oil-based, and may include 40 to 90 centistoke viscosity medical grade mineral oil, Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber, Septon 4055 (SEEPS), and anti-oxidant Irganox HP2215FF (Linear low-density polyethylene/High density polyethylene—from Ciba Specialty Chemicals) as selected in combination by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the resistance exercise device may also be further comprised of an antimicrobial agent incorporated into the elastomeric material to effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the device, within the device, or combinations thereof. Any antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria may be used. Examples of antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, metal salts or like compounds with antibacterial metal ions (e.g., copper mercury or silver and optionally with additional nonmetallic ions of antibacterial properties), antibiotics (e.g., neomycin, soframycin, bacitracin, polymein, etc.), antibacterials (e.g., chlorhexidine and its salts), quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., centrimide, domiphen bromide, and polymeric quaternaries), iodophors (e.g., providone iodine, and polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I)), acridine compounds (e.g., 9-aminoacridine, 3,6-diaminoacridine, and 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridine), biguanidine compounds (e.g., 1,6-di(4-chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane, diaminohexylbiguanide, 1,6-di(aminohexylbiquanido)hexane, and polyhexamethylenebiguanide), halogenated hydroxyl diphenyl derivatives such as triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxydiphenyl ether) available under the trade name Microban from Microban Products and suitable for use in the food industry, or combinations thereof.

To produce the resistance exercise device with the inclusion of the antimicrobial agent, the polymeric materials and a least one antimicrobial agent are combined so that the antimicrobial agent is uniformly and stably dispersed within the polymeric material. The antimicrobial agent may be introduced into the polymeric material using any known method including, but not limited to, as a dry, crystalline substance, in a paste wherein the antimicrobial agent is mixed with a small amount of the acrylic material, by means of an emulsion wherein the antimicrobial agent is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent such as water, mineral oil, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, or tetrahydrofuran, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial agent is present in the resistance exercise device in an amount between 0.003% to 2.5% by weight of polymeric substrate material. In another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is present in the resistance exercise device in an amount between 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the polymeric material. In yet another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan). It has been found that triclosan provides extended protection lasting the useful life of the product because the antimicrobial protection is incorporated directly into the polymeric matrix of the resistance exercise device during the fabrication process and is more than a mere surface coating. Triclosan can be chemically bonded into the polymer's molecular structure while not significantly altering the physical properties of the polymeric material. As the antimicrobial agent is removed from the surface during use of the resistance exercise device, additional active agent particles are released from within the polymer and migrate to the surface thereby providing a long-lasting antimicrobial surface.

Other additives may be included in the polymeric material to enhance durability of the end product, flowability of the polymeric melt, and/or esthetics of the end product such as coloring, plasticizers, evaporative solvents, and the like. Additionally, a variety of durometer materials may be used for the resistance exercise device as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The various resistance levels may be achieved by varying the amount of mineral oil and powdered elastomer, or by changing the cross sectional area of the band.

In one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the resistance exercise device is a rectangular shape approximately 10 centimeters by 26 centimeters by 1.3 centimeters thick on the substantially planar portion 50. The resistance exercise device may be made in a variety of sizes and dimensions. The center enlarged portion or “loop” 50 is half of the thickness of the two handle shaped ends when present. The grip holes 10 may be sized according to an estimated diameter for users in general or for a particular user, and may be for example, approximately from 0.8 to 1.9 centimeters in diameter, and will stretch to fit snugly around the fingers.

The resistance exercise device can be made by any conventional molding processes, wherein the flexible elastomeric material may be diced and placed in or extruded into a mold under heat and pressure and partially cured. The partially cured device, having enough integrity to be handled, is then removed from the mold. The device is then cured further to the desired durometer, by air cooling or in a water bath. In one embodiment, the resistance exercise device may be manufactured in a wide variety of colors which include, but are not limited to, transparent, translucent, opaque, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the resistance exercise device may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and with or without handles (FIGS. 3-6). In still another embodiment, the resistance exercise device may further comprise the incorporation of other materials 45 including, but not limited to, nylon mesh, hard plastic, cords, or combinations thereof in order to enhance the device as a whole, or in order to limit the stretch at the grip holes/handles 25 of the device FIG. 6.

In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the resistance exercise device that is hypo-allergenic is comprised of an elastomeric body with grip holes for fingers 10 on each side of the continuously molded band. These grip holes serve as a convenient, secure handle on each side of the band that is as soft as the resistive band and provides resistance on the fingers for a more secure grasp. The grip holes eliminate the potential dangers associated with a harder handle as well. The thicker band and softer grade of thermoplastic elastomer contribute significantly to the comfort of the user. The method of manufacture of this embodiment of the invention is injection molding. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer is heated and mixed in a conventional extruder to a temperature of over 148° C. The extruder then forces the material into a heated injection cylinder. At the time of the injection of the material into the mold, an air or hydraulic cylinder forces the material from the injection cylinder into the aluminum mold cavity. This method increases the speed of the injection and holds sufficient pressure on the material to compensate for shrinkage during the initial cooling stage. In another embodiment, the resistance exercise device may be injection molded at a temperature in excess of 148° C. in an aluminum mold that is temperature controlled by both a heating system and a cooling system.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the band has no grip holes/handles, but the band is still a continuously formed loop as illustrated in FIG. 3. This eliminates the need to tie ends together, and is therefore safer than the tied bands. The handle-less version can be made in a variety of widths, lengths, and resistance levels, thus being customized for the individual user. In this embodiment, the bands are from 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters in thickness and 5 to 8 centimeters wide. FIG. 8 demonstrates the device's unique characteristic of staying in place without rolling up and pinching into the user's body due to the thickness and softness of the material. The specified method of manufacture of this embodiment is to melt the thermoplastic elastomer material is excess of 175° C. and inject the molten material into a heated centrifugal aluminum mold. The mold revolves at a rate of 100 to 350 RPM as the material is introduced. The mold is then cooled as it continues to spin until the material has cured enough to stop the mold and remove the device. The device is then allowed to completely cure by cooling in air or liquid for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the continuous loop of FIG. 3 can be formed by a process of displacement molding. In this method, the molten material is injected into a cylindrical mold, followed by the pressing of an aluminum core into the liquid, forming the liquid into a continuous loop. After curing for a sufficient length of time to prevent deformation, the core is removed and the device is removed from the cylindrical mold.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention in which the band may be a straight, substantially planar shape 40 with enlarged sections on the ends 30 that allow the user to grip the band and use it in a variety of exercises. The planar center section of the band 40 may have a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.6 centimeters. The enlarged ends may also have a single hole 25 through which a user can insert their hands and/or feet to secure the resistance exercise device without gripping or a series of holes to accommodate the fingers 20. In this embodiment, the resistance exercise device is also injection molded in traditional fashion into a two part aluminum mold at a temperature in excess of 148° C. as described above.

The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the forgoing specification, as indicated in the scope of the invention. 

1. A resistance exercise device in the form of a continuous, seamless loop being comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric material with Shore OO Durometer of less than
 30. 2. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its resting length providing resistance throughout a full range of motion.
 3. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device having a circumference in the range of 30 to 80 centimeters.
 4. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device having a material thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters to prevent said device from rolling and/or sliding out of position throughout a full range of motion.
 5. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: an antimicrobial agent incorporated into the thermoplastic elastomeric material to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said device.
 6. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device having a specific gravity of less than 0.9 and being non-water absorbent thereby allowing said device to float in water and be used for aquatic applications.
 7. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein the resistance of said device being changed by altering the composition of the thermoplastic elastomeric material without altering the thickness of said device.
 8. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 wherein said device being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged, cut, punctured, or abraded.
 9. A resistance exercise device in the form of a band with Shore OO durometer of less than 30 having no knit line comprising: a first end having one or more grip holes; and a second end having one or more grip holes; wherein said grip holes provide facilitation of grip for a user as to prevent accidental release of said resistance exercise device.
 10. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 further comprising: one or more gripping materials being encapsulated into said first end and said second end; wherein said gripping materials being selected from the group comprising: a mesh, a cord, a plastic shape, or combinations thereof.
 11. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 being comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric material having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters to prevent said device from rolling, bunching and/or sliding out of position throughout a full range of movement.
 12. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein said resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its resting length, providing resistance throughout a full range of motion.
 13. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein said device having a length in the range of 15 to 35 centimeters.
 14. The resistance exercise device of claim 10 wherein said device having a specific gravity of less than 0.9 and being non-water absorbent thereby allowing said device to float in water and be used for aquatic applications.
 15. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein the resistance of said device being changed by altering the composition of the thermoplastic elastomeric material without altering the thickness of said device.
 16. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 wherein said device being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged, cut, punctured, or abraded.
 17. A method of producing a resistance exercise device using injection molding comprising the steps of: heating and mixing a thermoplastic elastomer material in an extruder to a temperature in excess of 175 degrees centigrade; extruding said thermoplastic elastomer into a heated injection cylinder; injecting said thermoplastic elastomer into a heated centrifugal aluminum mold while said centrifugal aluminum mold is spinning at a rate of 100 to 350 RPM; cooling said centrifugal aluminum mold as it continues to spin until said thermoplastic elastomer has cured enough to maintain its shape while handled; stopping said centrifugal aluminum mold; removing said thermoplastic elastomer; and curing said thermoplastic elastomer by cooling in air or liquid.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of: incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the thermoplastic elastomeric material to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said device.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.6 centimeters.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device being capable of stretching to a length of 10 to 12 times its resting length.
 21. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device having a Shore OO durometer of less than
 30. 22. The method of claim 17 wherein said resistance exercise device having a circumference in the range of 30 to 80 centimeters. 